The Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to
remind school divisions of the availability of distance learning courses
offered during the spring semester, 2005. Distance learning semester courses
are available to schools utilizing full-year or 4X4 block schedules. These
courses are provided through DOE-sponsored programs as well as other school
divisions, community colleges, or for-profit educational companies. Courses may
include Advanced Placement or dual enrollment for Early College Scholar
students or core academic courses required for students scheduled to graduate
next spring.

Students qualifying for the Governors Early College
Scholars program may enroll in dual enrollment courses, locally offered or
distance learning AP or IB courses, or courses offered through the Virginia
Virtual Advanced Placement School. The Early College Scholars program
encourages students to get a head start on college by earning at least 15
college credits while still in high school. Spring semester courses from the
Virtual Advanced Placement School include English, biology, Spanish, human
geography, physics, psychology, government, and micro or macro economics.

Distance learning semester courses can also provide
required courses seniors need for graduation. If a student in the senior class
lacks necessary courses for graduation, a semester distance learning course may
allow that student to graduate with his or her peers.

Information on the Virtual Advanced Placement School
and Early College Scholars program is available at: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Technology/VAPS.html.
Dual enrollment distance learning courses may be found on community college or
four-year university websites and are listed through the State Council of
Higher Education for Virginia website at http://www.schev.edu.
A number of school divisions, regional consortia, or private providers offer
distance learning general courses. Please contact Greg Weisiger, associate
director teleproduction services, (804) 692-0335; email: gweisige@doe.virginia.gov for
information on potential distance learning providers.